Written question asked by Anthony Steen (Conservative) on Tuesday, 28 October 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 3 November 2003. It was answered by Hilary Benn (Labour) on Monday, 3 November 2003 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Dept for International Development

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, when the Government agreed to fund a breakwater to provide safe landing for tourists visiting St Helena; and when it will be completed.

Answer: Mr. Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when the Government agreed to fund a breakwater to provide safe landing for tourists visiting St. Helena; and when it will be completed. [135662] Hilary Benn: All embarkation and disembarkation of passengers in St. Helena entails transit by launch between the harbour steps at Jamestown and ships anchored offshore. The St. Helena Government's policy, which we fully support, is that safety must be paramount in this process. All reasonable precautions are taken, and are regularly reviewed, to ensure that this is the case; and, on occasions where sea conditions are particularly difficult, passenger transit may be suspended altogether. Past studies have not demonstrated to DFID satisfaction that a breakwater, which could be costly to construct, would substantively improve the situation and/or be justifiable on technical and economic grounds. Although the St. Helena Government remains committed to the concept, therefore, we hitherto have not agreed to fund it. In their current proposals for possible European Union assistance, however, the St. Helena authorities are including plans for wharf improvements and an investigation of alternative options for passenger landing arrangements at Jamestown. We shall be monitoring this proposed work very carefully; and we will keep the matter under regular review, in consultation with the St. Helena Government.

Secondary information